At first glance, MFP is a great tool to assist

shaunbassett

Hi everyone,

My name is Shaun and I live in Melbourne, Australia.

As you may see from my profile photo, I compete at an elite level, although not a professional and certainly NOT assisted by any performance enhancing substances. I have been clinically obese before (2005) and it took a lot of dedication and not so much hard work but consistent work to achieve my ultimate goal - which is not for everyone. My point is, anything is possible if you really want it.

I have been using MFP off and on for a few weeks now to track my preparation for my next comp and I have found that the structure it provides, is probably, exactly what most people need to assist in the day to day maintenance of their eating routine* if they do not have a quality Personal Trainer.

*I try not to call it a diet, it holds so many negative thoughts.

So, what do I get from MFP?

The primary function of calories consumed verses those burned is probably everyones focus but I would encourage EVERYONE to check the nutrient summary for each day and week and make sure they are eating the correct calories and fuelling their body with the right vitamins and minerals.

This tool makes the process so easy, you have no excuse to not do it. 60 seconds before or after placing something in your mouth to assess the impact???? That is gold in your hand (assuming you have the app on your handset)

The other massive upside is you can set your eating plan days in advance. Simply load the data, assess the impact, create a shopping list AND ONLY PURCHASE WHAT IS ON IT !

Eat 6 to 8 times a day (small portions - be honest with MFP and watch what happens if volume increases. Cheat, and you only cheat yourself).
Pre-prepare your meals so there is no temptation to 'cheat eat'.
Set a timeline for what goes in your mouth & when.
Include snacks - I use low carb protein powders. Some taste great and ladies, you will not get huge arms or legs if you use MFP to assess the daily impact on calories and protein intake.
Stick to your plan.

This is the best tool I have found in the app store for assisting direction. It doesn't do the work but it does offer direction.

Stay focussed,
Shaun.

WNBF Mr Victoria - 2007
WNBF Mr Victoria - 2008
WNBF Mr Australia - Masters 2009

KittMahan

I'm going to testify Shaun, I agree wholeheartedly. Some people are focused only on calorie intake and ignoring the long term consequences of nutrient imbalance.

Your post is right on target...

itsbella

Thanks! You look awesome!

dancer77

ditto and I echo you on the protein powders as well, I don't personally use them but its a myth that girls can bulk up JUST by having a decent amount of protein.

nickeymhughes

ok, so I may sound dumb but how do I know If I'm getting everything I need? cause I'm guilty of only watching calories.. I'm new to this and not sure.. I have read alot of stuff on the internet but there's soooo much info out there that If I followed it all I would own GNC!!! I do drink a protein shack a day.

shaunbassett

Hi Nickeymhughes,

I must admit, I mostly use the iphone app so if you are on a desktop computer, things are located in different spots I guess.

BUT, on your myfitnesspal home page (iphone app), there are 3 tabs across the top of the page. Nutrients, on the right, will tell you your daily intake verses requirements. This is gold.

When you are in the My Diary section, when you add a food, it gives you all the detail right there and then. The phone app is great because then you carry all that data with you.

For instance, my goal right now is high protein, medium fats and no carbs (20g per day). On Wednesday night I was shaking from too few calories (529 at that point, far too low). For an instant hit, I used a comp favourite and went for peanut butter straight off the spoon - 95 calories, and only 3.5 g of carbs after a day totalling 9g. MFP gives me the opportunity to *kitten* foods instantly and make a decision on which one to eat.

Calories are a great indicator, healthy is the best option always though. Whole foods, with the least amount of human processing is your best source of fuel - not peanut butter. LOL

Small steps provide the best long term results, quick fad diets only end in tears.

Cheers,
SPB

shaunbassett

Hi it'sbella,

Thank you.

Determination is the key. No-one can do this through pressure from others, when you want it, you will make the lifestyle changes to achieve your goal.

Be strong in what you want.

Cheers,
SPB

Teebowen

thank you for the reminder sometimes we just focus on the calories and not the nutrition... Congratulations on your fabulous success!